The filmmaker is in early talks to develop and direct this adaptation of Jason Matthews' novel set in modern-day Russia. The story follows Dominika Egorova, a spy forced into becoming a "sparrow," who is trained to seduce rival agents. Her first assignment is a CIA operative tasked with handling Russian intelligence, but they soon fall for one another, threatening both their careers and the identities of moles in both the American and Russian governments.

20th Century Fox purchased the rights to the novel back in April, months before it was published by Scribner in June, in a bidding war that involved multiple studios. Steven Zaillian and Garrett Basch are producing for Film Rites. No production schedule was given.

Darren Aronofsky's Noah, which stars Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson and Anthony Hopkins, is set for release on March 28, 2014.

Red Sparrow is in development . The film is directed by Darren Aronofsky.